Farm Progress

Slideshow: Purdue’s Jon Lueck reviews risks associated with anhydrous ammonia application and how to minimize them.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

May 14, 2018

7 Slides

Members of the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana wanted to understand farming techniques so they could have a better handle on the risks their farmer-customers face. They assembled at the Purdue University Agronomic Center for Research and Education to learn about agricultural risks and how to reduce them.

Jon Lueck, former superintendent of the Pinney Purdue Ag Center and now assistant director of all Purdue farms, explained the potential hazards involved in anhydrous ammonia application and ways to minimize them.

Here are six points Lueck made that could help you reduce chances of an accident or injury when applying anhydrous ammonia this year:

1. Inspect the toolbar to make sure hoses are tight and everything is in good condition. Wear happens over time. Even if the applicator just sat over winter, it deserves careful inspection, row by row, before using it this year.

2. Use safety chains provided on anhydrous wagons. Anhydrous wagons that you pick up full at the dealership to haul to the farm should have safety chains attached to the tongue. Lueck recommends using those chains both during transport and while pulling the wagon behind the applicator in the field.

3. Inspect the main hose disconnect unit and know how it works. Read the instructions on the warning tag attached to the coupler, even if you’ve applied anhydrous dozens of times. Understand how to connect and disconnect the hose properly. The coupler is designed to disconnect in case of emergency — before the hose is pulled into two pieces.

4. Make sure the emergency water tank is full and you know how to use it. It is the job of the retailer where you obtain the wagon to make sure the water reservoir on the side of all wagons is full before you take the wagon. It’s still good policy to check and know how to use it. Lueck displayed a reservoir that was full and ready for use. Water is one of the only ways to combat anhydrous vapors should they get in your eyes.

5. Take time to read safety instructions in red on the anhydrous wagon. The instructions are there for a reason, and they’re in red for the same reason, Lueck pointed out. They include valuable tips, such as stepping to the side instead of standing directly in front of or over a valve you are opening or closing.

6. Inspect tires and use safety equipment. Make sure the anhydrous wagons you’re using have good tires and are in good condition. Keep personal protective equipment nearby when working with anhydrous in the field, Lueck said.

Check out the slideshow for visuals of these six safety checks.

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

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